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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help England secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.